Unemployment marginally down

• Unemployment drops below 400 thousand in January
• Unemployment down by nearly 5 thousand a month since record high early 2010
• Minor increase number of job seekers
• Unemployment benefits up by nearly 12 thousand

According to the most recent figures released by Statistics Netherlands, unemployment adjusted for seasonal variation was 398 thousand in January 2011, i.e. 5.1 percent of the labour force. The number of unemployed declined further in January.

The Institute for Implementation of Emloyees’ Insurances (UWV) reports that the number of unemployment (WW) benefits and the number of job seekers have increased in January 2011 relative to December 2010.

Unemployment further down

Seasonally adjusted unemployment decreased by 3 thousand in January. As a result of the decline, unemployment dropped below 400 thousand for the first time since August 2009. Unemployment increased throughout 2009.

Unemployment has dropped continually for almost a year now; since March 2010 by an average of nearly 5 thousand a month. The age category under 45 entirely accounts for the reduction. Unemployment among over-45s remained stable over the same period.

Notable increase young job seekers

According to the UWV, the number of unemployed job seekers (nww) grew by more than 6 thousand in January to 496 thousand. Proportionally, the most substantial increase is found among people under the age of 35. The number of people educated at lower and secondary vocational level looking for jobs in engineering, transport, health care and welfare and administration has grown considerably.

Significant increase new WW benefits

In January this year, 48 thousand new WW benefits were granted, nearly 14 percent up from December 2010. The number of new WW benefits granted to women grew by 25 percent. The number of current unemployment benefits rose by more than 4 percent to 284 thousand, while 37 thousand WW  benefits were terminated in January, 8 percent more than in December 2010.